A California defective airbag lawsuit may be an option for individuals who purchased a vehicle equipped with an airbag made by Takata Corp. A Takata airbag recall has gained increasing media interest as the number of allegedly defective airbags continues to grow. According to reports, airbags manufactured and marketed by Japan-based Takata since as early as 2001 have the potential to tear upon impact in high humidity and cause shards of metal to impale the driver and passenger. Affected people and their families may be able to file a lawsuit with the help of a California defective airbag lawsuit attorney.
If you believe you were injured by a Takata airbag, contact Attorney Group for California. We offer free, confidential, no obligation consultations. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a case we can connect you with an affiliated defective airbag lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What Initiated the Recall?
Sources state that faulty propellant can cause the airbags to rip when they are deployed, thus allowing a gateway through which metal fragments can be released into the cabin. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has acknowledged that it will be launching a full investigation as well as a public awareness campaign to get to the root of the issue.
Owners of Mazda, Nissan, BMW, Honda, Toyota, Subaru, Chrysler, and Ford model cars are urged to check the NHTSA’s recall list and visit their local dealers as soon as possible for repairs. The agency has placed a significant emphasis on consumers who live in warm climates with high humidity and consistently high temperatures, including several southern states such as Hawaii, Florida and Texas around the Gulf of Mexico, as well as Guam, American Samoa, and other humid countries.
The vehicles included in the recalls encompass makes and models manufactured from model years 2000 to 2007. The NHTSA issued a formal statement on October 20, 2014, requesting that all vehicle owners take serious note of these recalls as seeking a repair as soon as possible could save lives. The NHTSA may expand the recall at a later date once it completes its investigation, so vehicle owners of these particular brands should consider remaining informed on the recall to see if any additional models are included.
Additionally, individuals who have been injured or are suffering the loss of a beloved family member may consider seeking legal counsel to learn more about their options. If it can be proven that Takata manufactured and marketed defective airbags that were the direct cause of the injury or death, victims may be entitled to seek compensation for their condition and recover damages for pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, or wrongful death expenses.
How a California Defective Airbag Lawsuit Can Help
Although the manufacturer has agreed to pay a fine, including millions of dollars to a victim compensation fund, drivers or passengers who are injured by a defective Takata airbag may be entitled to compensation for damages resulting from their injuries. Compensation can include:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income and ability to work
- Pain and suffering
If the actions of the airbag manufacturer are malicious or so reckless that intent to harm can be inferred, the responsible party can be liable for punitive damages to punish wrongful conduct and deter similar conduct in the future.
If a loved one dies as a result of a defective Takata airbag, his or her family members may be able to pursue compensation for the wrongful death of their loved one.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for California. After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
